Organisations & Operators News Page 105
W Maldives Introduces the Wavemaker Edit — a New Era of Cultural Collaborations Unfolding in June
W Maldives unveils The Wavemaker Edit, a new, ongoing series of curated collaborations with global talents, designed to bring fresh energy, creative exchange, and unexpected experiences to the island escape. Editorial in spirit and immersive by design, the series sets the stage for a dynamic cultural rhythm, where each chapter introduces a new perspective, across mixology, wellness, cuisine, music, and beyond. From June 3 to 14, 2026, the first edition of The Wavemaker Edit unfolds through two distinct yet complementary chapters—Island Alchemy and The Restore Ritual—offering guests a seamless journey between high-energy moments and mindful escape, and redefining Maldives luxury resort experiences.
Offering Full Refunds or Postponements on Cancelled Flights
Untravelled Paths, the specialist travel company renowned for crafting extraordinary journeys to the world's most remarkable destinations, today announces the launch of its Flight Cancellation Protection policy, a direct and meaningful response to the growing uncertainty gripping the aviation industry as a result of the ongoing Middle East conflict and its impact on global fuel supplies.
Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia announces packed programme for 2026 edition
Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia has released details of the programme for the 2026 edition, taking place from 22-24 June at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh, bringing together investors, developers, operators and policymakers at a defining moment for the region’s hospitality sector. Positioned as the Kingdom’s leading deal-making and investment platform, FHS connects capital with opportunity. The 2025 edition welcomed more than 1,100 industry leaders and generated over US$1.6 billion in business opportunities, reinforcing its role as a key deal-making forum. 254 investors attended FHS Saudi Arabia last year, managing $ 5.61 trillion in assets.
AI adoption is creating travel’s highest‑value customers, new Phocuswright study shows
Travelers who use artificial intelligence for trip planning and in‑destination support are emerging as the industry’s most valuable customer segment, according to new research from Phocuswright. The findings show that AI‑using travelers take more trips, spend significantly more per year and engage more deeply with digital travel tools than those who have not adopted AI. Phocuswright’s new report, The AI Surge: Travel’s Fastest Behavioral Shift in a Decade, reveals that AI travelers have a median household income of $129,200 compared to $104,000 for nonusers, and take 3.8 leisure trips per year versus 2.9 among nonusers. They also spend $4,500 annually on leisure travel, far outpacing the $3,000 spent by those who do not use AI.
Switzerland Tourism Joins the World Travel & Tourism Council as a Destination Partner
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is pleased to welcome Switzerland Tourism (ST) as a Destination Partner. Switzerland Tourism is the national destination marketing organisation responsible for promoting Switzerland as a travel destination. Working in partnership with the tourism industry and the public sector, it positions Switzerland worldwide as a high-quality, sustainable and year-round destination for leisure and business travel.
Barceló Joins the World Travel & Tourism Council as a Global Member
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is pleased to welcome Barceló as a Global Member. Founded in Mallorca in 1931, Barceló Group has grown into one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, with a presence across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East. The Group operates a diverse portfolio of 288 hotels under four distinct brands, ranging from luxury boutique properties to large-scale resorts and urban hotels, reflecting its broad reach across global travel markets.
Etihad Airways Announces The Destination Collection and LANEIGE Skincare Collaboration in Business
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, will progressively roll-out the Destination Collection, a new collectable amenity kit line, in Business cabins across its network this summer. The Destination Collection will feature 14 designs to collect, each design inspired by a stunning city from within the Etihad global network and includes a new range of LANEIGE skincare products to elevate the guest experience onboard. The Destination Collection: Inspired by the World We Fly
Minor Hotels Announces Anantara’s Caribbean Debut in Turks and Caicos
Minor Hotels, the international hotel owner, operator and investor, has unveiled plans for the future debut of its luxury Anantara brand in the Caribbean. Scheduled to open in 2029, the development of Anantara Turks and Caicos Resort & Residences further strengthens the brand’s expansion into leading luxury destinations worldwide. Set along the pristine Sandy Point coastline of North Caicos, the low-density development’s 78 branded residences, including a collection of beachfront villas, will all be available for private ownership. Bringing a contemporary sensibility to the island’s natural calm, Anantara Turks and Caicos Resort & Residences will be shaped for generous indoor–outdoor living by Miami-based RAD and Meyer Davis, an award-winning architecture and design firm renowned for its work across some of the most iconic luxury hospitality and residential projects worldwide.
Korean Air and Asiana Airlines host joint aviation career program
Korean Air and Asiana Airlines celebrated Children’s Day by hosting a joint aviation education program at the National Aviation Museum of Korea in Seoul, inspiring youth to explore careers in aviation. Approximately 200 students attended the event, where volunteer pilots and cabin crew from both airlines shared firsthand experiences and insights into careers in aviation.
JetBlue and Barclays Roll Out Enhanced Benefits, Now Available for Premier Cardmembers
JetBlue today launched its new and enhanced benefits for the JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard®, issued by Barclays US Consumer Bank, bringing together its most valuable and differentiated travel benefits into a more valuable card experience. Cardmembers gain access to new statement credits, accelerated Mosaic status and expanded travel rewards, all while maintaining the same annual fee.
Excellent Net Promoter Score (NPS) reflects customer confidence in the UAE and flydubai
flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has reaffirmed the strength of customer confidence in the United Arab Emirates and Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub, following the multiple airspace disruptions that took place since the beginning of the regional conflict. During this challenging period, the UAE’s decisive leadership ensured that all measures taken prioritised the wellbeing of passengers and crew, while maintaining operational integrity. Temporary airspace closures were implemented proactively based on real-time intelligence and risk assessments, with a carefully coordinated and phased reopening that reinforced trust in the system.
Etihad at Make it in the Emirates 2026
Etihad Airways will showcase its role as one of the UAE’s largest global exporters of services and a key driver of national economic growth at Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) 2026, the country’s largest industrial trade platform, taking place from 4 to 7 May at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Etihad generates more than AED 29 billion in annual revenue through the export of aviation and logistics services to global markets, directly contributing to the UAE economy. Through its wider role in tourism, trade and connectivity, the airline drives over AED 130 billion in economic activity across the UAE.